Multi Faith Chaplaincy at Ashton Sixth Form College

Multi Faith Chaplaincy at Ashton Sixth Form College Revd Jean Hurlston B. Ed. (Hons) MA (Contextual Theology)

Welcome to the College Chaplaincy! I am employed by college as chaplain part time & work within a multi faith setting. I have a note on the door inside the chaplaincy room with times I’ll be in during the week; however I am on the premises according to need (events & people) I check my college emails daily even when I’m not in college, so that’s the best way to contact me jean. hurlston@asfc. ac. uk my ext number is 344 I work as chaplain in various contexts including Manchester Airport & Tameside Hospital. I am Associate Vicar at Oldham Parish Church but live in Ashton

What is chaplaincy? The word chaplain comes from the Greek word for “cloak” which encompasses the concept of caring. The chaplaincy is part of the college’s pastoral support, promoting the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of students, staffindeed the whole college community Chaplaincy also has an important role in teaching and learning

What Chaplaincy provides. . It’s for people “of all faiths and none” A resource for spiritual and moral development Helps people in times of crisis/need Enables people to practise their faith in the workplace Facilitates curriculum input on spiritual, moral or religious issues Maintains an ethos of learning that nurtures & values the “whole” person Supports access, retention & recruitment of students from all communities

Chaplaincy effect…. Based on research, people have described a chaplain as someone they feel will be able to help them they like and respect is accessible, a person they can get to know and talk to in confidence will not exploit them can intervene in organisational procedures where appropriate when they feel “crushed” by the system enable people to practice their faith in the workplace in a safe & secure environment

Who is the Chaplaincy Service for? It is for everyone associated with Ashton Sixth Form College Students Teaching staff Operational/Support staff Parents/Carers/Guardians Governors

Chaplaincy events are informative, fun, challenging & engaging

Does chaplaincy work? Chaplaincy offers friendship and support, contributing positively to the ethos and atmosphere of college. It “lifts” people and values the individual. A principal once said, “ I’ve worked in colleges with, and without a chaplaincy. I can’t explain it, but colleges with a chaplaincy work better- there’s a sense of well-being and in my experience, better performance. ”

Lots of chaplaincy events include tasting different ethnic food which feeds minds …as well as stomachs!

Government Support for Chaplaincy Bill Rammell MP, when Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education said “We recognise the importance of colleges having the flexibility to respond to the needs of students in different ways, acknowledging and being sensitive to individual faith needs is a critical part of our personalisation objectives” ü Ashton Sixth Form College Chaplaincy is highly regarded in its work both locally and nationally.

Chaplaincy supports teaching and learning Faith walks to places of worship are arranged by the chaplain for teachers to enable students to understand more about people’s beliefs especially in the local community. Many students have never been to visit places of worship which are landmarks in the neighbourhood.

More reasons for chaplaincy! Chief Executive for the Centre for Excellence in Leadership – Lynne Sedgmore says “Britain is a multi-faith society with colleges serving learners from diverse ethnic communities, religions and cultures. . . faith is a key component of diversity… there is a growing interest in spirituality in the workplace and in leadership…. the events of 11 th Sept 2001 changed the world in many ways and perhaps heightened people’s awareness of cultural and religious diversity; we must harness that for the benefit of our communities. ”

We learn from one another… local faith groups are invited into college in order to facilitate community cohesion

Chaplaincy Services include… One-to-One chats – listening ear – for appointments check my diary on the door in the chaplaincy room or email jean. hurlston@asfc. ac. uk Chaplaincy Room – MB 1. 21 near Costa is open daily available for individual/personal prayer, quiet, time to chill, also for groups e. g. Christian Union, Muslim Prayer/discussions Jummah congregational prayer (Muslim) is held every Friday after lunch in the Chaplaincy Room MB 1. 21 Holy Communion (Christian) is held every term and around holy days Peace Garden – project linked to sustainability Charity events – e. g. cake stalls/Fair Trade drinks Visits to local places of worship – curriculum linked

The Chaplain does not sit in an office but visits classes-during day & evening

The chaplaincy works collaboratively Chaplaincy works across college collaboratively particularly with the counsellor & equality/diversity co-ordinator There are strong community links with faith groups, charities and 3 rd sector organisations The chaplain has many contacts with health services which can support a range of health & wellbeing matters

Learner Voice The chaplain is a staff link/support to the Student Council & welcomes opportunities for contact with staff/areas of college life where students can be involved in planning and development Student Council meets weekly & provides a forum for engagement with learners on issues both inside/beyond the classroom

Chaplaincy is a resource to you Contact the chaplaincy for assistance with aspects of spiritual, religious or moral aspects Visitors can be arranged to talk to classes on a range of faith matters If you have concerns about a friend, another student’s wellbeing or a member of staff, the chaplaincy may provide an extra area of support particularly at times of change – e. g. bereavement/loss

And finally… Welcome to the family here at Ashton Sixth Form College! Please get in touch if you would appreciate a chat about college life or if you are yourself planning a wedding/baptism/funeral and need advise/support/resourses Contact the chaplain Revd Jean Hurlston on ext 344 or email jean. hurlston@asfc. ac. uk